Duke lacrosse members legal costs

DURHAM — Lawyers hired to defend the city of Durham in three lawsuits stemming from the 2006 Duke lacrosse case have charged the city $1.2 million.

Assistant City Attorney Kim Grantham told The Herald-Sun of Durham that insurance company American International Group will pay for the city’s defense. Durham has a $5 million coverage limit, after which Durham taxpayers will foot the bill.

The bill covers work through August from five North Carolina law firms working for the city or city officials.

The first lawsuit was filed in October 2007 by the three former Duke lacrosse players accused of raping a stripper at a team party in 2006. State prosecutors later declared the men innocent and dropped all charges. Two other groups that include lacrosse players
have also sued the city.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)